Power Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Power Plant Operations Manager to lead operational excellence at a major facility. The role focuses on safe, reliable and efficient plant performance, compliance with environmental standards, and strategic leadership to drive continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will manage engineering teams, budgets, and maintenance planning, while coordinating with regulators and suppliers to ensure optimal output and energy security for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical) or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in power plant operations, with at least 5 in management.
• Extensive knowledge of coal, gas, hydro, and renewable technologies.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and budget management skills.
• Experience with safety, health, and environmental performance.
• Familiarity with SA energy sector and regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to maximize plant efficiency, reliability, and availability.
• Manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and expenditure control.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations engineers, technicians, and control room operators.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with the maintenance department to support maintenance activities that align with operations.
• Monitor KPIs and plant performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with regulators, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee implementation of new technologies and process improvements.
• Ensure comprehensive training programs for operational staff.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Budgeting

Operations management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major energy generation company, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Power Plant Operations Manager to lead the operational excellence of a key facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of the power plant. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in power plant management, a deep understanding of operational processes, and a strong commitment to safety and performance. This is a critical role that demands exceptional leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and the ability to manage complex operational challenges within the dynamic South African energy market. You will be instrumental in maintaining optimal plant output and contributing to the energy security of the region. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a proven track record in operational leadership and a passion for driving continuous improvement in a high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily power plant operations, including generation, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to maximize plant efficiency, reliability, and availability.
• Manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and expenditure control.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations engineers, technicians, and control room operators.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with the maintenance department to ensure proactive and reactive maintenance activities support operational goals.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with regulatory agencies, key suppliers, and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of new operational technologies and process improvements.
• Ensure comprehensive training programs are in place for all operational staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical) or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of power plant technologies (e.g., coal, gas, hydro, renewable), operations, and maintenance practices.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, health, and environmental performance.
• Experience with financial management, budgeting, and cost control.Proficiency in operational management systems and software.
• Familiarity with the South African energy sector and regulatory environment is essential.
• Ability to make critical decisions under pressure and manage emergency situations effectively.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, a retirement fund, and generous leave allowances. Our client is committed to employee well-being and professional development, providing ample opportunities for growth and career advancement within a leading energy company. The position is located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , a strategic industrial hub. This is an excellent opportunity to lead operations in a significant power generation facility contributing to South Africa ’s energy needs.